A new report on the status of U.S. seniors ranks Nebraska 14th among the states, moving down one spot from 2023.

Nationally, the "America's Health Rankings 2024 Senior Report" showed improvements in the percentages of U.S. seniors with high-speed internet, and a lower early death rate between the ages of 65 and 74. However, it showed more older adults are seeing economic challenges, from poverty and food insecurity to housing cost burdens.

Rod Horsley, executive director of the South Central Nebraska Area Agency on Aging in Kearney, said it comes as no surprise, as many people come to their Aging and Disability Resource Center for help applying for public benefits.

"Low-income energy assistance, the SNAP program, Medicaid in general, assistance in paying for medications," Horsley outlined. "The other thing that we do see is people that have issues with paying for food."

On the reach of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -- the percentage of those 60 and older living in poverty who receive benefits -- Nebraska ranks 39th among states.

Horsley pointed out affordable housing for seniors is also a huge problem in their 14-county area.

One of the bright spots, Horsley noted, is the number of Nebraskans who are good neighbors and willing to help. He said the senior center in Comstock is a great example.

"They have done outreach to people out in the country, taking meals to Sargent, Nebraska," Horsley explained. "Those people wouldn't otherwise get a meal if it wasn't for the senior center director and volunteers there that are willing to drive out, 10 miles into the country, to ensure that this person has a meal."

Nebraska ranks 13th in the report for the percentage of seniors who volunteer.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, called the report a "call to action," and said many U.S. seniors lost ground socioeconomically between 2021 and 2022.

"This year, we saw poverty increase 6% nationally," Randall emphasized. "We also saw the housing cost burden rise 3% nationally. That means 741,000 additional households where older adults live are struggling with their housing costs."

Almost 11% of seniors nationwide were living in poverty in 2022. In Nebraska, the percentage was 9.2%, a 28% increase since 2017.

Correcting hearing loss by using hearing aids is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia during aging, according to a new Global Council on Brain Health report.

Sarah Lock, executive director of the council, said the report should be a wakeup call for everyone, especially older Americans. She urges people not to let the stigma sometimes associated with hearing loss get in the way of prioritizing hearing health.

"Hearing promotes emotional well being, mental well being and your cognitive health. It's just too important not to take care of," she said. "And when you can do something as simple as getting a hearing aid to correct hearing loss, why wouldn't you want to do that?"

Researchers say if left untreated, hearing loss also increases risks associated with social isolation, loneliness, anxiety and depression.

Lock added the report underscores warnings by the U.S. Surgeon General that the nation is experiencing a loneliness and social isolation epidemic, with health impacts equal to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.

Age-related hearing decline is not curable, but it can be treated with hearing aids that achieve the crucial goal of helping people hear better. While hearing loss is often associated with aging, Lock says it's important for people of all ages to protect their hearing.

"Pop those little foam plugs in your ears so that you're not having your ears assaulted at work or at noisy concerts. So there are simple things that you can do to protect your hearing, no matter what age you are," she explained.

An AARP survey found that nearly six in ten Americans age 50 and older have not had a hearing test in the past five years, as recommended. And only 38% said their hearing was excellent. But Lock pointed out nearly 8 in 10 say they would address hearing loss if they knew it could impact brain health.

"AARP offers free screenings for members. If you go to AARP.org/hearing, you can find the hearing center, and you can take a free hearing test over the phone," she continued.


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AARP Iowa is on a road trip, taking knowledge to family caregivers wherever they are and helping them learn more about the resources that may be available to them. It is part of the association's larger effort to educate people about caregiving in Iowa.

AARP Iowa data show the state's 330,000 unpaid family caregivers provide 310 million hours of care every year in the state, which is valued at more than $5 billion.

Brad Anderson, state director for AARP Iowa, said caregivers are busy and often do not know what to expect or where to get information.

"For example, they need to know, 'How do I get in touch with the Area Agency on Aging?' They need to know, 'How does Medicare work?' They need to know, 'Is my loved one on the right prescription drug program?'" Anderson outlined.

AARP is traveling the state from the Mississippi River to the Missouri River in a big red RV to distribute information. Anderson noted they are making stops at grocery stores, hospitals, clinics and pharmacies; the most likely places to run across people who have just inherited caregiving duties.

There are other, more 'hands-on' things caregivers need to know but Anderson added since most people fall into the role, there is no real formal training and they have to learn their new role on the fly.

"How do I feed my loved one? How do I care for a wound? Maybe how do I even lift this person up and help them into bed?" Anderson explained. "These are all things that sometimes happen, literally, overnight."

The informational tour is scheduled to last into August.

AARP has selected four projects in Idaho to receive $49,000 in grants.

The projects were chosen by the organization's annual Community Challenge grant program. The program is designed to support proposals that make cities more livable for people of all ages, especially those age 50 and older, and can be built quickly.

Marie Bonaminio, a volunteer for AARP Idaho, said the program selected three of the four projects in the state this year to boost rural communities.

"A couple of the grants are things that will bring people outdoors, that will keep them active and also to help some of the things that have fallen apart, to be honest, in some of these areas," Bonaminio explained. "Because they just don't have the dollars to keep things, maybe, fixed up and in good condition."

Projects in the cities of Cascade, Marsing and Salmon will improve outdoor areas to encourage social gathering, especially among older Idahoans. The grant program also is providing $15,000 to LEAP Housing, an Idaho affordable housing nonprofit, which will use the funding to renovate housing in Nampa. The projects must be completed by Dec. 15.

Bonaminio added it is a thrill to get to be part of the Community Challenge grant program.

"You walk away just thinking, 'Wow, we have done so much for these small communities to keep them alive and vibrant,'" Bonaminio observed. "I'm so excited to be part of this project. I look forward to it every year."

This year, AARP is investing $3.8 million in more than 340 projects across the country. Since 2017, it has awarded 30 grants in Idaho, worth nearly $330,000 in total.